The ultimate girls getaway: 11 unique destinations for unforgettable experiences

23.07.2024 - 13:40 / thepointsguy.com

Planning the perfect girls getaway can be challenging — deciding on a destination, activities and accommodations everyone will enjoy is no small feat.

But don't let the logistics deter you from a well-deserved break with your best friends. A girls getaway is more than just a trip; it's a chance to bond, create lasting memories and indulge in experiences that can leave you feeling reenergized and rejuvenated.

Whether you're perusing the vibrant souks of Marrakech, Morocco, dancing to live music in Austin, tasting wine in California or hiking to a turquoise lake in Jasper National Park, these 11 girls getaways are prime for making the leap from your group chat onto the plane.

Best for: An outdoor adventure in the Canadian Rockies.

Nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Jasper is a paradise for nature lovers. It is also less crowded than Banff. Start your adventure with a scenic drive along the Icefields Parkway, which links Banff and Jasper national parks.

Pause at the Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre to book a Columbia Icefield Adventure that lets you walk on the Athabasca Glacier. Although it has been slowly melting for more than 125 years, the glacier saw more ice melt in 2023 than in any other year of the past decade, so this experience might not be possible in the future. The Columbia Icefield Skywalk offers thrilling views from a cliff-edge suspended glass platform 918 feet above the valley floor.

In Jasper National Park, visit Maligne Canyon, the park's deepest. In summer, a river rushes through it, and you can hike along well-maintained trails and across a series of bridges that offer excellent views of its plunging limestone walls. In winter, the canyon transforms into an icy wonderland, and you can join a guided ice tour that takes you onto the canyon floor and has you navigating past frozen waterfalls and intricate ice formations.

Maligne Lake is a crystal-clear, aquamarine beauty that is a gateway to numerous hiking trails. You can drive directly to the lake, but if your group wants to work up a sweat, you can make the 4.3-mile trek to the lake and back from the trailhead near Maligne Lake Road. The hiking trail is moderately challenging and takes you through dense boreal forests with intermittent mountain views before opening into verdant alpine meadows with the lake framed by craggy peaks, creating a photogenic selfie backdrop.

For a more relaxed day, soak in the natural hot springs at Miette, which features the hottest mineral water in the Canadian Rockies. Afterward, grab dinner at Tekarra Restaurant, known for its creative use of local ingredients. End the night stargazing at the Jasper Planetarium.

Pyramid Lake Lodge is less than a 10-minute drive from the town of